The Northern Frontier was falling apart.
Supplies meant for the army— ration, medicines, silver, gold— had been stolen or intercepted.
Every request Yexuan sent to the capital was mysteriously blocked.
Someone wanted his army to starve. To fall. To die.
So, Yexuan made a dangerous decision.
"I will return to the capital myself."
But assassins found him, before he found answers.
His guards fought fiercely— one by one falling to poisoned blades.
By dawn, only one remained General Bai Yunchen.
But when another wave of assassins struck, Bai Yunchen was separated from Murong Yexuan in the fog.
Earlier, they have decided.
If anything, they will meet at the Lingnan City.
Bleeding heavily, Yexuan leapt onto his horse and headed south—toward the only place he trusted, The Southern Silk Region.
Toward his cousin, Fourth Prince Murong Yunxian.
But before he reached Lingnan City…he collapsed in the mountains near the Sacred Lotus Pavilion.
The First Meeting
Bai Rouyuan was returning from picking herbs when she heard a crash among the pines.
A horse whinnied.
A man groaned.
Rouyuan ran forward— her small basket clutched tightly.
There, lying on the ground, armor cracked, blood soaking through the sleeves—an army who she didn't know who, but she sure he is an army of this empire.
He looked pale, gasping, barely holding consciousness.
Rouyuan rushed to him, "Young Sir, don't move! I'm a physician!"
Her soft voice carried through the wind.
Yexuan forced his eyes open— bleary, unfocused.
A delicate figure knelt beside him, face hidden behind a white mianjin veil,
Deep brown eyes dark that reflect flecks of gold in the sunlight.
"…A child?" he managed weakly.
"I am not a child," she huffed, "I am already fourteen years old".
Rouyuan already tearing his sleeve open while speaking to inspect the wound.
"I'm a physician."
Blood was pouring from his arm.
Too much.
Rouyuan's eyes widened.
If I don't stop it now, he'll die.
Without hesitation— she removed her veil and tied it tightly around his arm.
Yexuan startled.
His eyes wide open, he stared at Rouyuan.
Then forgot how to breathe.
Because beneath the veil, was a face so breathtaking.
He wondered if he had died and reached the heavens.
Soft skin like moonlit snow. Long lashes trembling like butterfly wings.
Lips pink, delicate.
Eyes bright and steady.
A gentle fragrance clung to her— lotus and dew.
A beauty so quiet, so pure, it made his heart ache.
He had seen many women. None had ever made him feel like this.
His chest throbbed painfully.
Not from injury. Something else.
"W-who…" His voice broke.
"…are you?"
Rouyuan ignored his question.
"You're poisoned! You shouldn't move!"
She slipped his arm around her shoulder and half-dragged, half-supported him.
"You're heavy…" she muttered but didn't stop.
Yexuan stared at her tiny frame, shocked that this small girl was the only person holding him upright.
His vision blurred.
Just as darkness swallowed him, he heard her whisper to someone in the distance, "Little Physician, let us help you bring him inside!"
The Girl Who Saved the War God
Bai Rouyuan dragged Murong Yexuan to her private quarters in the Sacred Lotus Pavilion.
She hid him behind her door, terrified her master would scold her for bringing a stranger, and a man into her room.
She then put him on her bed chamber.
"Please don't die," she whispered, working fast.
She cleaned his wound, gave him anti-poison pills, used her secret techniques to lower his fever.
Yexuan never saw her full face again as she replaced her veil quickly once they arrive at her quarters.
But the memory of her beauty, burned into his mind.
Who are you…Little Physician…?
She stayed with him all night, holding his hand whenever his breath turned ragged.
By dawn, he slept peacefully.
Yunchen Returns with Urgent News
At the Wen Clan mansion, Bai Yunchen arrived covered in frost and blood.
"Grandpa! I am sorry, I cannot stay long—Prince Murong Yexuan is missing. I must find him."
Wen Shisheng's face blanched.
Bai Yunchen ask, "Where is Rouyuan?"
Wen Xianyi hurried over. "Rouyuan isn't here," she said.
"She went to the Sacred Lotus Pavilion."
After he ask where the Sacred Lotus Pavillion is, Bai Yunchen didn't wait another second.
He sprinted toward the mountains.
If anyone can save the Prince Murong Yexuan, it's my sister.
The Shocking Scene at Sacred Lotus Pavilion
Bai Yunchen reached Bai Rouyuan's quarters, pushed the door open—and froze.
His Marshal Prince—the War God, was lying on the bed.
Blood was all over it.
Breathing deep and slowly.
And beside him, Bai Rouyuan slept, head resting lightly on Murong Yexuan's uninjured arm, her veil slightly askew.
Bai Yunchen nearly fainted, "AH YUAN?!"
Even though it's been four years since they last met,
He still remembers the appearance and personality of his youngest sister.
He rushed forward to shake her, but Murong Yexuan's hand shot up and grabbed Bai Yunchen's wrist.
"Don't," he rasped.
Bai Yunchen stared, stunned. "Your Highness! You're awake!"
Yexuan's gaze softened as he looked at the sleeping girl.
"Let her rest."
Bai Yunchen swallowed.
"Your highness, I… I must bring you to Marshal Prince Murong Yunxian's camp.
Our army—"
"I know."
Yexuan tried to rise but winced.
Bai Yunchen rushed to support him.
Before leaving, Bai Yunchen whispered,
"Your Highness… may I move my sister onto the bed?"
Yexuan nodded slowly.
Bai Yunchen carefully lifted Bai Rouyuan and placed her gently on the pillow.
She murmured softly, still fast asleep, completely unaware she had saved and slept beside the most powerful young marshal in the empire.
Yexuan looked at her one last time.
"Tell her…" He paused.
"…I will return."
"Yes?" Bai Yunchen blinked in surprised.
"Yes, Your Highness!" He replies.
With that, he helped the prince outside and onto a horse waiting past the pavilion gates.
They rode toward Prince Murong Yunxian's camp.
Behind them, in the quiet room—Bai Rouyuan slept peacefully, unaware that she had saved the War God's life…
And left an unforgettable imprint, on the coldest heart in the empire.